Heel grip insert

ABSTRACT

Heel grip inserts and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a heel grip insert may include first and second receptacles. The first receptacle may be to receive a heel of a foot, and may be defined by an under-foot portion, a back portion extending away from the under-foot portion, and opposing side portions joining the under-foot and back portions. The second receptacle may be to receive a heel collar of a shoe, and may be defined by the back portion and a lip portion, the lip portion angled away from the first receptacle. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/896,563, filed Oct. 28, 2013, and titled “SHOE INSERT,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly, to heel grip inserts.

BACKGROUND

Shoes that are too large in the heel can cause foot slippage during use, which may lead to blisters and instability. Existing devices for addressing this problem include adhesive padded strips and other components that are adhesively bonded to the interior of the shoe to better secure the foot in the shoe. These devices are permanently adhered to the shoe, and may not mitigate foot slippage satisfactorily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To facilitate this description, like reference numerals designate like structural elements. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of a heel grip insert, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the heel grip insert of FIGS. 1-3 seated in a shoe, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heel grip insert with a first embellishment object, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the heel grip insert of FIG. 6 seated in a shoe, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heel grip insert with a second embellishment object, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of the heel grip insert of FIG. 9 seated in a shoe, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of a heel grip insert, with a third embellishment object, seated in a shoe, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for manufacturing a heel grip insert, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Heel grip inserts and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a heel grip insert may include first and second receptacles. The first receptacle may be to receive a heel of a foot, and may be defined by an under-foot portion, a back portion extending away from the under-foot portion, and opposing side portions joining the under-foot and back portions. The second receptacle may be to receive a heel collar of a shoe, and may be defined by the back portion and a lip portion, the lip portion angled away from the first receptacle.

Some embodiments of the heel grip inserts disclosed herein may provide an adhesive-free, anti-slip, molded fashion accessory heel grip. Some embodiments may be used in any of a number of different types of footwear, and may improve foot care by reducing foot slippage or other injury due to ill-fitting or slippery shoe interiors.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

The description uses the phrases “in an embodiment,” or “in embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous.

The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments.

With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of a heel grip insert 100, in accordance with various embodiments. The heel grip insert 100 may include a first receptacle 102 and a second receptacle 104. The first receptacle 102 may be configured to receive a heel of a foot, and may be dimensioned appropriately. For example, the first receptacle 102 may be dimensioned to fit within an interior heel portion of a women's dress shoe (e.g., a flat or a pump). The first receptacle 102 may be defined by an under-foot portion 106, a back portion 110, and opposing side portions 108 a and 108 b joining the under-foot portion 106 and the back portion 110. The back portion 110 may extend away from the under-foot portion 106. The first receptacle 102 may have a first surface 124 oriented towards the wearer's heel when the wearer's heel is received in the first receptacle 102. The back portion 110 may include a reinforced portion 112, which may be thicker than the surrounding areas of the back portion 110 and/or may include an additional material to provide stiffening and/or cushioning. In some embodiments, the heel grip insert 100 may not offer additional support or cushion for a wearer's heel.

The second receptacle 104 may be configured to receive a heel collar of a shoe, and may be dimensioned appropriately. For example, the second receptacle 104 may be dimensioned to receive a heel collar of a women's dress shoe (e.g., a flat or a pump). The second receptacle 104 may be dimensioned to snugly secure a heel collar in the second receptacle 104. The second receptacle 104 may be defined by the back portion 110 and a lip portion 114. The lip portion 114 may be angled away from the first receptacle 102. In some embodiments, the lip portion 114 may be angled away from a wearer's leg when the wearer's heel is received in the first receptacle 102. The lip portion 114 may have a distal end 116, which may extend below the heel collar when the heel collar is received within the second receptacle 104. In some embodiments, the distal end 116 may extend less than one inch or less than one-half inch below the heel collar when the heel collar is received within the second receptacle 104.

The dimensions of the first receptacle 102 and the second receptacle 104 may be selected to conform to a wearer's heel and to the shape of the interior of a shoe. For example, in some embodiments, the side portions 108 a and 108 b and/or the back portion 110 may have regions of greater thickness that are positioned on either side of the wearer's heel below the ankle bone and at the back of the heel, where extra space often occurs in shoes that are slightly too large. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the heel grip insert 100 may be selected to conform to a wearer of a women's dress shoe, such as a pump or flat. In some embodiments, the first receptacle 102 may have a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, various portions of the first receptacle 102 (e.g., the back portion 110) may have a thickness between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.625 inches.

In some embodiments, the first receptacle 102 and the second receptacle 104 may be integrally formed as a single piece. For example, in some embodiments, the heel grip insert 100 may be injection molded. In some embodiments, the heel grip insert 100 may be formed from two or more materials. Examples of materials that may be used in the heel grip insert 100 may include, but are not limited to, rubber and/or rubber-like materials, neoprene, a rubber spray coating, foam molding compounds, plastic, nylon, and fiberglass. In some embodiments, the first receptacle 102 may be formed from two different materials. For example, the under-foot portion 106 may have a shoe facing surface 126 that may include neoprene or another especially non-slip or “grippy” material. The back portion 110 and/or the side portions 108 a and 108 b, which may embrace a wearer's heel, may be formed of a material similar to neoprene, though in some embodiments, a material that enhances “stickiness” may be preferred to maintain and improve contact with the wearer's skin for an extended duration. The lip portion 114 (and/or the embellishment object, discussed below) may be formed from one of the materials listed above, and may be coated, colored, dyed, or otherwise altered to enhance the appearance and detail. The lip portion 114 (and/or the embellishment object) may also consist of an alternative material, such as plastic, metal, wood, etc. In some embodiments, the materials selected for the first receptacle 102 and/or the second receptacle 104 may provide some flexibility so as to conform to a wearer's heel and/or the shape of the heel portion of a shoe.

In some embodiments, the first receptacle 102 and/or the second receptacle 104 may be formed from a rubber or rubber-like material. For example, one or more of the first receptacle 102 and the second receptacle 104 may be formed from neoprene. In some embodiments, the first surface 124 may have a “stickiness” to help secure the first receptacle 102 against the heel when the heel is received in the first receptacle 102. This stickiness may arise, for example, from a grip-providing texture (e.g., natural to the material of the first surface 124). In some embodiments, the heel grip insert 100 does not include an adhesive. In particular, some embodiments of the heel grip insert 100 may not use or rely on any adhesive to keep the heel grip insert 100 in place. Instead, the shape and thickness of the heel grip insert 100 may surround some or all (e.g., the majority) of a wearer's heel (e.g., including the sides, back, and under-foot area) and may fill in the extra space between a wearer's heel and the shoe, thereby reducing or avoiding foot slippage and/or blisters. When the first surface 124 of the first receptacle 102 is formed from a material with gripping properties, contact between the first surface 124 and the wearer's heel may create friction and reduce slipping. Thus, in some embodiments, no adhesive may be necessary or helpful to secure the heel grip insert 100 to a shoe, or to secure the heel grip insert 100 to the wearer's foot. Additionally, because the under-foot portion 106 of the heel grip insert 100 is positioned underneath a wearer's heel, the wearer's body weight and foot pressure also help secure the heel grip insert 100 within a shoe and against the wearer's foot.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the heel grip insert 100 of FIGS. 1-3 seated in a shoe 300, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, the heel collar 302 of the shoe 300 may be received in the second receptacle 104 so that the heel collar 302 may be positioned between the lip portion 114 and the back portion 110. The back portion 110 may be positioned adjacent to a back heel surface of the shoe 300, the under-foot portion 106 may be positioned adjacent to a bottom surface of the shoe 300, and the side portions 108 a and 108 b may be positioned adjacent to side surfaces of the shoe 300. In use, the under-foot portion 106 may extend under a portion of a wearer's heel. In various embodiments, the under-foot portion 106 may extend under a portion of a wearer's heel for less than one inch, less than one-half inch, or less than one-quarter inch. In use, the side portions 108 a and 108 b may extend along the sides of a wearer's heel. In various embodiments, the side portions 108 a and 108 b may each extend along respective sides of a wearer's heel for less than two inches, less than one inch, less than one-half inch, or less than one-quarter inch.

In some embodiments, the lip portion 114 may include an embellishment object. An embellishment object may take the form of many different shapes or themes for different fashion styles. The embellishment object may include a variety of colors and textures to coordinate with a wearer's shoes or wardrobe (e.g., leather, plastic, metal, fabrics, etc.).

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the heel grip insert 100 with a first embellishment object 118, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the heel grip insert 100 of FIG. 6 seated in the shoe 300, in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, the embellishment object 118 may be positioned at least in part above the wearer's heel when the heel is received in the first receptacle 102. In some embodiments, the embellishment object 118 may be positioned at least in part above the heel collar 302 when the heel collar 302 is received in the second receptacle 104.

In some embodiments, the embellishment object 118 may be formed integrally with the lip portion 114. In some embodiments, the embellishment object 118 may be formed integrally with the back portion 110. In other embodiments, the embellishment object may be removably coupled, such as by a snap, hook-and-loop fastener, etc., such that it can be removed and replaced with another embellishment object and/or used on other footwear.

In some embodiments, an embellishment object may be a representation of a heart shape, wings, flower, bow, jewel, studs, spike, any sculptural shape that adds visual fashion embellishment, or any other decorative object, design, or pattern. For example, the embellishment object 118 may be a representation of a heart shape. In some embodiments, an embellishment object may be three-dimensional, and/or have three-dimensional detail.

In some embodiments, the heel grip insert 100 may have a coating (not shown) on the embellishment object 118. Such a coating may include paint, glitter, leather, fur, jewels, feathers, or one or more metallic elements, for example, but any suitable materials may be used for a coating on an embellishment object.

Any suitable decorative elements may be included in or provide the shape of an embellishment object. For example, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the heel grip insert 100 with a second embellishment object 120, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of the heel grip insert 100 of FIG. 9 seated in the shoe 300, in accordance with various embodiments. The embellishment object 120 may be a representation of a ribbon bow. FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of an embodiment of the heel grip insert 100, with a third embellishment object 122, seated in the shoe 300, in accordance with various embodiments. The embellishment object 122 may be a representation of a patterned leaf. Any of the embodiments discussed above with reference to FIGS. 6-8 and/or to the embellishment object 118 may be applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 9-13 and the embellishment objects 120 and/or 122.

In some embodiments, the heel grip insert 100 may provide a fashion accessory that may be used and re-used by a wearer in a number of different shoes. Various embodiments of the heel grip insert 100 may provide the functionality of a molded, non-adhesive insert, the anti-slip ability of a heel grip, and the visual element of a fashion accessory (e.g., via the lip portion 114 and/or an embellishment object). In particular, some embodiments of the heel grip insert 100 may act as a heel grip by conforming to the shape of a wearer's heel and also the interior heel portion of a shoe (e.g., a pump or flat). Some embodiments of the heel grip insert 100 may act as a fashion accessory due to the heel grip insert 100 extending up the back of the wearer's heel and over the heel collar of the shoe, thereby providing a visible fashion element.

Various embodiments of the heel grip insert 100 (e.g., those that do not use an adhesive to secure the heel grip insert 100 to the shoe) may be easily removed from a shoe and used in multiple pairs of shoes to improve fit and comfort while adding a visible fashion element to change the look of any pair of shoes. This may provide wearers with more options and a more durable approach to improving the fit of shoes. A removable, reusable heel grip insert that provides heel gripping functionality and a visible fashion accessory may allow wearers to comfortably wear any pair of shoes and alter or enhance the appearance and style of their shoes.

Any suitable method may be used to manufacture the heel grip inserts disclosed herein (e.g., any of the embodiments of the heel grip insert 100). FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method 1400 for manufacturing a heel grip insert, in accordance with various embodiments. While the operations of the flow diagram of FIG. 14 described herein are arranged in a particular order and illustrated once each, in various embodiments, one or more of the operations may be repeated, omitted, or performed out of order. In particular, the operations of the flow diagram of FIG. 14, although illustrated as performed in a particular sequence for the sake of illustration, may be performed in parallel as suitable. Additionally, although the operations of the flow diagram of FIG. 14 may be illustrated with reference to the heel grip insert 100, any suitable heel grip insert may be manufactured in accordance with the method 1400. Moreover, any of the operations of the flow diagram of FIG. 14 may be performed in accordance with any of the embodiments of the heel grip inserts 100 described herein.

At 1402, a first receptacle (e.g., the first receptacle 102) may be provided in an assembly. The first receptacle may be for receiving a heel of a foot. The first receptacle may be defined by an under-foot portion (e.g., the under-foot portion 106), a back portion (e.g., the back portion 110) extending away from the under-foot portion, and opposing side portions (e.g., the side portions 108 a and 108 b) joining the under-foot and back portions.

At 1404, a second receptacle (e.g., the second receptacle 104) may be provided in the assembly. The second receptacle may be for receiving a heel collar of a shoe (e.g., the heel collar 302 of the shoe 300). The second receptacle may be defined by the back portion and a lip portion (e.g., the lip portion 114). The lip portion may be angled away from the first receptacle.

In some embodiments, the method 1400 may further include providing an embellishment object to the lip portion 114 (not shown in FIG. 14). For example, the embellishment object may be any of the embellishment objects 118-122. In some such embodiments, providing the second receptacle (at 1404) and providing the embellishment object may be performed as part of a single injection molding operation. In some embodiments, the method 1400 may further include providing a coating on the embellishment object. The coating may include, for example, paint, glitter, leather, fur, jewels, or one or more metallic elements.

In some embodiments, providing the first receptacle (at 1402) and providing the second receptacle (at 1404) may be performed as part of a single injection molding operation. In some embodiments, providing the first receptacle (at 1402), providing the second receptacle (at 1404), and providing the embellishment object may be performed as part of a single injection molding operation.

Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.

The following paragraphs discuss various examples of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Example 1 is a heel grip insert, including: a first receptacle for receiving a heel of a foot, the first receptacle defined by an under-foot portion, a back portion extending away from the under-foot portion, and opposing side portions joining the under-foot and back portions; and a second receptacle for receiving a heel collar of a shoe, the second receptacle defined by the back portion and a lip portion, the lip portion angled away from the first receptacle.

Example 2 may include the subject matter of Example 1, and may further specify that the lip portion includes an embellishment object.

Example 3 may include the subject matter of Example 2, and may further specify that the embellishment object is positioned at least in part above the heel when the heel is received in the first receptacle.

Example 4 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 2-3, and may further specify that the embellishment object is positioned at least in part above the heel collar when the heel collar is received in the second receptacle.

Example 5 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 2-4, and may further specify that the embellishment object is formed integrally with the lip portion.

Example 6 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 2-5, and may further specify that the embellishment object is formed integrally with the back portion.

Example 7 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 2-6, and may further specify that the embellishment object is a three-dimensional representation of a heart shape, wings, bow, flower, jewel, studs, or spike.

Example 8 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 2-7, and may further include a coating on the embellishment object, wherein the coating comprises paint, glitter, leather, fur, jewels, or one or more metallic elements.

Example 9 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1-8, and may further specify that the back portion has a thickness between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.625 inches.

Example 10 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1-9, and may further specify that the second receptacle is dimensioned to snugly secure a heel collar of a woman's dress shoe.

Example 11 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1-10, and may further specify that the first and second receptacles are integrally formed.

Example 12 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1-11, and may further specify that the first receptacle is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material.

Example 13 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1-12, and may further specify that the first receptacle has a first surface oriented towards the heel when the heel is received in the first receptacle, and the first surface has a grip-providing texture to help secure the first receptacle against the heel.

Example 14 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1-13, and may further specify that the heel grip insert does not include an adhesive.

Example 15 is a method of manufacturing a heel grip insert, including: providing a first receptacle in an assembly for receiving a heel of a foot, the first receptacle defined by an under-foot portion, a back portion extending away from the under-foot portion, and opposing side portions joining the under-foot and back portions; and providing a second receptacle in the assembly for receiving a heel collar of a shoe, the second receptacle defined by the back portion and a lip portion, the lip portion angled away from the first receptacle.

Example 16 may include the subject matter of Example 15, and may further specify that providing the first receptacle and providing the second receptacle are performed as part of a single injection molding operation.

Example 17 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 15-16, and may further include providing an embellishment object to the lip portion.

Example 18 may include the subject matter of Example 17, and may further specify that providing the second receptacle and providing the embellishment object are performed as part of a single injection molding operation.

Example 19 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 17-18, and may further include providing a coating on the embellishment object, wherein the coating comprises paint, glitter, leather, fur, jewels, or one or more metallic elements.

Example 20 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 15-19, and may further specify that the second receptacle is dimensioned to snugly secure a heel collar of a woman's dress shoe. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heel grip insert, comprising: a first receptacle for receiving a heel of a foot, the first receptacle defined by an under-foot portion, a back portion extending away from the under-foot portion, and opposing side portions joining the under-foot and back portions; and a second receptacle for receiving a heel collar of a shoe, the second receptacle defined by the back portion and a lip portion, the lip portion angled away from the first receptacle.
 2. The heel grip insert of claim 1, wherein the lip portion includes an embellishment object.
 3. The heel grip insert of claim 2, wherein the embellishment object is positioned at least in part above the heel when the heel is received in the first receptacle.
 4. The heel grip insert of claim 2, wherein the embellishment object is positioned at least in part above the heel collar when the heel collar is received in the second receptacle.
 5. The heel grip insert of claim 2, wherein the embellishment object is formed integrally with the lip portion.
 6. The heel grip insert of claim 2, wherein the embellishment object is formed integrally with the back portion.
 7. The heel grip insert of claim 2, wherein the embellishment object is a three-dimensional representation of a heart shape, wings, bow, flower, jewel, studs, or spike.
 8. The heel grip insert of claim 2, further comprising a coating on the embellishment object, wherein the coating comprises paint, glitter, leather, fur, jewels, or one or more metallic elements.
 9. The heel grip insert of claim 1, wherein the back portion has a thickness between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.625 inches.
 10. The heel grip insert of claim 1, wherein the second receptacle is dimensioned to snugly secure a heel collar of a woman's dress shoe.
 11. The heel grip insert of claim 1, wherein the first and second receptacles are integrally formed.
 12. The heel grip insert of claim 1, wherein the first receptacle is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material.
 13. The heel grip insert of claim 1, wherein the first receptacle has a first surface oriented towards the heel when the heel is received in the first receptacle, and wherein the first surface has a grip-providing texture to help secure the first receptacle against the heel.
 14. The heel grip insert of claim 1, wherein the heel grip insert does not include an adhesive.
 15. A method of manufacturing a heel grip insert, comprising: providing a first receptacle in an assembly for receiving a heel of a foot, the first receptacle defined by an under-foot portion, a back portion extending away from the under-foot portion, and opposing side portions joining the under-foot and back portions; and providing a second receptacle in the assembly for receiving a heel collar of a shoe, the second receptacle defined by the back portion and a lip portion, the lip portion angled away from the first receptacle.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the first receptacle and providing the second receptacle are performed as part of a single injection molding operation.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing an embellishment object to the lip portion.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the second receptacle and providing the embellishment object are performed as part of a single injection molding operation.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: providing a coating on the embellishment object, wherein the coating comprises paint, glitter, leather, fur, jewels, or one or more metallic elements.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the second receptacle is dimensioned to snugly secure a heel collar of a woman's dress shoe. 